FEAR & GREED | Business News BHP bumper profit, dividends; rate hikes on RBA agenda; Taylor’s new frontbench
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Feb 17, 2026 BHP posts a huge half-year profit as copper overtakes iron ore in earnings. Discussion of copper’s role in EVs, renewables and AI infrastructure. RBA minutes hint that further interest rate hikes remain on the table. IMF recommends shifting tax from income to consumption. Angus Taylor unveils a new frontbench lineup. A surprising sports medicine story about ski jumpers draws attention.
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Copper Overtakes Iron Ore At BHP
- BHP's half-year result shows copper has overtaken iron ore as its largest earnings driver, validating a long-term pivot.
- The shift reflects structural demand for metals used in energy transition and AI data-centre infrastructure.
AI Boosts Copper Demand
- BHP links rising copper demand not only to renewables and EVs but also to AI and data centres that use lots of copper wiring.
- The company grew copper production ~30% in four years, showing strategic supply-side response to demand trends.
Big Silver Offtake Diversifies BHP
- BHP struck a silver offtake deal that included a $6 billion upfront payment and a share of spot silver on delivery.
- The deal diversifies BHP into precious and strategic metals beyond traditional iron ore exports.